Environmental Services Re-Provision The project is progressing according to the timetable.

Following the submission of the Initial Tender proposals by bidders on 18 August and the subsequent evaluation period, the Authority conducted a series of negotiation meetings with the remaining bidders during September and October 2017. The negotiation closed successfully and the Authority initiated the Final Tender stage on 23 October 2017.

The Final Tender submissions were received by the two bidders on 17 November 2017. The evaluation panel is currently completing evaluation and moderation of the bids through the application of the contract award criteria.

We anticipate that the recommendation to award the contract to the preferred bidder will be discussed at a future Cabinet meeting in early 2018.

Environmental Services (Direct Services)

- Abington Park - A new memorial bench has been installed adjacent to the play train in the memory of the late former Mayor John Gardner. It is in recognition to the contribution John made in the Borough during his role as Mayor, as a local politician and a volunteer at the Northampton and Lamport Railway Preservation Society.

- The Racecourse – The play equipment at the St Georges Avenue/Barrack Road end has been refurbish, which also included a new roundabout. This was a joint venture with the Friends of the Racecourse and the Council. The large slide in the middle of the Racecourse has also been refurbished.

- Victoria Promenade - The Council owned footpath that runs along the front of the houses opposite Morrison’s, has had additional cast iron traditional bollards installed to stop cars illegally parking and keeping the area safe for pedestrians.

- Becketts Park – On the corner of Victoria Promenade/Bedford Road additional cast iron traditional bollards were installed to stop vehicles accessing the park from that area.

- Victoria Park – The large piece of gym equipment near the MUGA has finally been repaired, after it was vandalised last year. Also at Victoria Park, the safety gates that prevent children from accessing the river from the park were replaced after the original ones went missing.

- Dayrell Road – Bollards have been installed at the roundabout adjacent to the Hunsbury Park Primary School to make the area safer for children going to and from school.

**Environmental Health**

The Low Emission Strategy has now been presented to Cabinet for adoption. Work is be progressing to implement the action plan. One of the first actions taken is the adoption of an emission policy for Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles which has recently been agreed by the Licensing Committee.

The Council’s annual Air Quality Status Report will shortly be submitted to DEFRA. This report details the levels of air pollution in the area and actions that are being taken to improve air quality in Northampton. This report will be made available on the NBC website.

The contract for the provision of environmental enforcement services has been awarded. Mobilisation is currently in progress and the staff will soon be out and about delivering an enhanced enforcement service.

**Councillor Mike Hallam**

**Cabinet Member for Environment**